Vineyard/Florence

Tuesday was probably one of the best days I've had here in Castiglion so far this trip. In the morning we had studio class and we finished and turned in the project we were working on. That is always a relief, even if I'm not completely happy with it. Now were moving on to our last project which isnt near as many pieces and is a little more open style wise. I would normally be excited about it, but we have so much to do this last week that I am not really. So after studio class and lunch we went over to a local organic vineyard here in Castiglion. It was such a beautiful property, and the castle was so close to it! We got a tour of the olive fields, grape fields, and cellar.. all of which were very interesting. Our tour guide was this cute little italian guy named Ricardo that told us some interesting stuff about the process and the politics of olive oil and wine production. Then the best part, wine tasting! We had 2 types of White, one 100% Chardonnay and one 50% Chardonnay and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. Then we had one red that was 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. All were amazing, but none compared to Vinsanto, the dessert wine we had. After the wine tasting and food we got to go swimming in the pool! That was exciting for me because I had yet to use my swimsuit since I'd been here. After the pool we came back for dinner and then spent the rest of the night relaxing.

Wednesday we took our last trip to Florence. It was a very HOT and busy day and by the end of it I was happy to get back to Castiglion. In the morning we went to Santa Corca bascillica which was pretty neat except for the fact that the alter was under scaffolding from floor to ceiling. It was cool to see the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and especially Dante.. since I'm reading the Inferno right now. After that I met up with Holly for the last time and we had lunch and caught up. She leaves this Saturday for the States, so she will be back almost two weeks before me. Then was the Uffitzi. It is definitely one of those museums that has so much stuff in it that it can be really overwhelming. And some of the lighting and positioning of the pieces seemed a little off. I think if I wasn't so hot and tired I could have gotten more out of it. But despite all those things it was really enjoyable. Once again I got to see all these works that I have seen in pictures all my life in person. I even found some new paintings that I really liked, which to me is a lot more fun. :)

The rest of the trip is going to be pretty busy. We have group projects due Tuesday and our final show on Wednesday. In other words, I gotta get back to work! Ciao! Oh yes, pictures.. the first is the grape fields with the castle in the background, next is our cute wine glass setting at the tasting, the last our not so glamorous but still fun pool.